"Hong Myung-bo's Hong Myung-bo Team World Cup opponent Mexico and Portugal drew very close... "Courtney 0-4 defeat." What should I do in Korea

*This content was translated by AI.

The host country's momentum to face Hong Myung-bo Team in the 2026 FIFA North-China World Cup finals is getting scarier. Mexico played on par with European powerhouse Portugal despite the unfavorable factors of the departure of its main players.

Mexico (15th in FIFA ranking) drew 0-0 with Portugal (5th) in the March A-match warm-up match held at Estadio Asteca in Mexico City on the 29th (Korea time). Although there was no goal, Mexico continued to compete with Portugal, showing systematic pressure and solid defense.

Ahead of this game, Mexico's power was not intact. Key resources such as captain Edson Alvarez (Fenerbahce) and Santiago Jimenez (AC Milan) were excluded due to injuries and failure to convene.

Portugal, on the other hand, brought out all the best members. Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain), Joao Felix (Al-Nasr), and Hoobeng Neves (Al-Hilal) started, and Joao Neves (Paris Saint-Germain), Pedro Netu (Chelsea) and Joao Cancelo (FC Barcelona) played 45 minutes in the second half.

However, Mexico's organizational power remained unshakable. Starting with Raul Jimenez (Fulham), who also scored against Korea in September last year, he tormented the Portuguese defense.

The defense was also solid. Portugal failed to penetrate Mexico's solid goal in the 26th minute of the first half as Gonzalo Hamus (Paris Saint-Germain)'s shot overlapped with bad luck hitting the post.

Mexico used its unique speed to beat Portugal. In the 36th minute of the first half, Israel Reyes (Club America)'s sharp mid-range shot threatened Portugal. In the 35th minute of the second half, Armando González (Guadalajara) played an equal game, sending a decisive header.

Mexico, which briefly fell into a recession after drawing 2-2 with Hong Myung-bo Team last year, beat Panama, Bolivia and Iceland to win three consecutive games this year, and continued its perfect rise with a scoreless draw against Portugal.

On the other hand, the situation in Hong Myung-bo Team is bleak. South Korea, which had to face Mexico in Group A of the World Cup finals, suffered a crushing 0-4 defeat in the warm-up match against Ivory Coast the previous day as its defense line completely collapsed. Unlike South Korea, which suffered self-destruction due to its lack of defensive concentration and tactical defeat, Mexico also blocked Portugal with Plan B resources.

With only three months left before the World Cup, Hong Myung-bo Team's biggest enemy proved its competitiveness in the finals against European powerhouses. On the other hand, South Korea suffered a crushing defeat against its sparring partner in South Africa, who will meet in the group stage.

Mexico is scheduled to conduct another power check against Belgium on April 1, three days later. On the same day, South Korea will play its last A match against Austria in March.

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*This content was translated by AI.